Psalm 50:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A Psalm of Asaph. The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

NIV: A psalm of Asaph. The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.

NASB: The Mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken And summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting.

CSB: The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks; he summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

NLT: The Lord, the Mighty One, is God, and he has spoken; he has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets.

KJV: {A Psalm of Asaph.} The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

NKJV: {A Psalm of Asaph.} The Mighty One, God the Lord, Has spoken and called the earth From the rising of the sun to its going down.

Asaph was a leader of worship during the time of king David (1 Chronicles 6:31–32, 39). In this psalm, he creates a sense of drama leading into a series of accusations from the Lord against Israel. Asaph expresses personal frustration with the subject matter of this psalm in his other writing (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:10).

The beginning of the passage uses three separate terms which identify God. The same words, in the same order, were repeated by the people of certain tribes during a controversy early in the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 22:21–22). In Hebrew, these are 'Ēl, 'Elōhim', and YHWH. Each has its own meaning. 'Ēl most literally and simply means "power," and was frequently used in reference to a divine being. 'Elōhim' is actually plural, implying more than one thing, yet used as a singular noun, and also implies dominion and ability. YHWH is the closest thing God provides for His personal name; the word is often printed using small capitals—as "Lᴏʀᴅ"—in English translations. Asaph's focus here is on God's absolute power and supremacy, as well as His uniqueness as the only righteous judge.

As the supreme Judge, God orders Israel to come and hear His statement. He also calls all of creation as a witness to His judgment. Scripture notes that, as the one and only Creator, God owns everything and has authority over all things. Not all people experience God's direct judgment during their earthly lives—but each person will one day stand before the Lord God, the all-powerful Judge. Romans 14:12 says, "So then each of us will give account of himself to God." Believers will stand before Him to have their works approved (1 Corinthians 3:10–15). Unbelievers will stand before Him to be sentenced to eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).

Psalm 50:1–6 establishes the nature of God as supreme Judge. Three separate terms are used to identify Him; these highlight His existence as the only true God. The Lord calls His people for judgment and the entire earth to hear the ruling. This gives great weight to the accusations made in the following verses. God's overall criticism is that Israel hypocritically participates in sacrifices, while blatantly defying His will through sin and immorality.

Asaph depicts God as an unimaginably glorious judge, calling the entire world to hear a divine verdict. Israel has offered sacrifices, but God ignores them. The nation rejects His laws. It is pervaded with blatant sin, even while they claim to be God's chosen people. The Lord's patience does not mean He does not notice. Those who continue ignoring Him will be "torn apart" without any possibility of rescue. Those who respond to God with sincerity will be rescued.

This psalm, written by Asaph, addresses the Lord's intended connection between religious rituals and daily behavior. When the people offer sacrifices, but blatantly reject God's laws, they invite judgment. This passage notes national sins mentioned directly in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14–16). In other writings, Asaph expresses frustration over Israel's continued rebellion and God's delayed response (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:10).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.